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Academy Winds to perform concert at Tornstrom

The Academy Winds from The United States Air Force Academy band will make a stop

The Academy Winds from The United States Air Force Academy band based in Colorado Springs, Colo., will make a stop in Brainerd on its tour for a performance at 7:30 p.m. April 14 at Tornstrom Auditorium in Brainerd.

The concert is being presented by Brainerd Public Schools and the Brainerd Dispatch. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

The concert is free, but tickets must be acquired beforehand at the Brainerd Dispatch, 506 James St., Brainerd, or by mailing the concert coupon form found in the Dispatch with a self-addressed, stamped envelope with the request for tickets (limit of four tickets per request).

Academy Winds presents an innovative program that spotlights the diversity and professionalism found throughout the United States Air Force. The academy band’s performance is a free public concert. The band works with college and high school students and talks about education opportunities at the Air Force Academy as well as careers in the Air Force.

“We have put together a very entertaining show,” musical director Master Sgt. Sarah Balian said. “There is literally something for everyone, and the show is non-stop action. There is such a variety of music in it that parallels the great diversity found throughout our Air Force and American culture. The show truly honors our veterans and all the men and women currently serving around the globe.”

The band’s program will include classics such as Rossini’s “William Tell Overture” and Handel’s “Music from the Royal Fireworks.” Favorite marches by John Philip Sousa and Kenneth J. Alford will be performed as well. Taking great pride in presenting a cosmopolitan program, Academy Winds also will perform Irish music, Latin selections, a selection by modern jazz banjoist Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, selections from the Broadway smash hit “Wicked” and a touch of bluegrass. Soloists will be featured throughout the tour and there will be a special rendition for audience members of all ages of the Shakespearian classic, “Romeo and Juliet,” that will showcase the group’s dramatic. The program will end with a rousing tribute to our veterans that will include a performance of all the Armed Service Songs.

“We really enjoy this type of educational outreach,” Balian said. “It affords us the opportunity to mentor young players and display the excellence that is found throughout our Air Force.”

“This type of educational outreach is always very rewarding for not only the students, but for us as well,” said Technical Sgt. Julia Taylor, flutist with the group. “It is important to not only let students know about educational possibilities at the Air Force Academy, but to remind them of our veterans and the importance of service … it is because of these selfless Americans that we are able to share our music and talents. It is an honor to deliver that message for the Air Force.”